At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a primary academy to achieve high standards and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Northern Education Trust, a supportive network of academies focused on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free flu vaccinations, and onsite parking.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a collaborative environment with networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for raising educational standards.
The predicted salary is between 10500 - 83859 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: Leadership Range L15 – L21 (£73,105.00 - £83,859.00 FTE)
Working Type: Full Time
Base: Frederick Nattrass Primary Academy, Darlington Lane, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1BZ
Please note: the post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.
Northern Education Trust and Frederick Nattrass Primary Academy are seeking to appoint a talented, inspirational leader with proven success in raising standards, developing staff and driving continuous improvement. The academy was judged good for overall effectiveness by Ofsted in May 2016. It had an upgraded inspection in May 2025 and it continues to be a good school.
The academy has a positive praise culture built on high expectations where everyone feels valued and supported; a strong curriculum in all subject areas; a dedicated, supportive Senior Leadership Team with a passion for excellence; a full complement of experienced, committed teachers and support staff; motivated, bright, articulate children with impeccable behaviour and excellent attitudes to learning and extremely supportive parents and school community who want the best for their children.
This is an exciting time for a motivating and dynamic leader to continue the academy’s journey to excellence. We are seeking a leader that values clear communication with a relentless focus on high standards who puts what is best for children at the centre of decision making. The successful candidate will have the drive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people and future generations.
Reporting directly to the Executive Principal, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and a continued focus on high outcomes for all. This will be underpinned by our vision ‘We constantly focus on standards as we understand outcomes are paramount. Our decision making is driven entirely by what is best for our children. By doing this, we enhance the life chances of the children and young people in our care’.
We require a strong, inspirational leader who is an outstanding primary practitioner and who has a proven track record of raising attainment and progress. You must have the passion, drive and commitment to develop the academy further, building upon what has already been achieved.
You will join a friendly and supportive family of academies with access to a network of leaders for shared best practice; a team of professionals who work collaboratively with a wide network of experienced senior leaders and specialist directors and be part of regular networking meetings to enhance collaborative learning opportunities further.
Northern Education Trust offers:
- The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
- The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
- A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
- A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Inspire.
Employee benefits:
- Free flu vaccinations
- Free onsite parking
In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process. The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests. The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
For more information, please contact Mr Joshua Cranston, HR Assistant, at j.cranston@northerneducationtrust.org. Visits to the academy are welcomed and can be arranged by contacting Mrs Christine McLaggan, Personal Assistant to the Principal/Office Manager, by calling the academy on 01642 360528.
Closing Date: 28th September 2026, at 9am
Interview Date: 2nd October 2026
Principal employer: Northern Education Trust
Freebrough Academy, as part of Northern Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a nurturing educational environment in the beautiful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The academy offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the community.
